(WWJ) Crews will start repairing roads and bridges today that were washed out by historic flooding in Midland.
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has awarded an emergency contract to Midland-based Fisher Contracting for $1.2 million to begin repairs to M-30 over the Tittabawassee River in Edenville. The bridge sustained extensive damage to the piers and bridge approach during flooding in May.
In late June, an emergency contract was issued to begin debris removal at the site. Following debris removal, crews were able to inspect the existing structure and determine what repairs were necessary and feasible to reopen the bridge to traffic. Crews will retrofit the existing piers with additional supports and rebuild the road and bridge approach.
These repairs will allow the bridge to reopen to traffic, restoring mobility to much of northern Midland County while plans to build a new bridge are underway. "This bridge was originally built in 1947, making a new structure in the near future a necessity," said Region Bridge Engineer, Paul Schiefer. "By making these repairs now, we can restore mobility in a matter of months, while we work on a new bridge design and securing funding for a permanent bridge in the future."
M-30 over the Tittabawassee River is expected to reopen to traffic by mid-September.
Leading up to the work, debris was removed at M-30 over the Tittabawassee River , which was required before a full inspection and maintenance plan could be developed for the existing structure.
M-30 at the Tittabawassee River was cleared of debris and emergency repairs to retrofit the existing piers and rebuild road and bridge approach begin Aug. 3.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Tuesday night declared a state of emergency for Midland County, after the Edenville and Sanford dams failed following heavy rains in May — releasing a torrent of water and forcing thousands of people to evacuate.
